From Alan Shearer to Neymar - How the world transfer record has developed over the last two decades

From Alan Shearer to Neymar - How the world transfer record has developed over the last two decades

Independent.ie

Neymar appears on the verge of becoming the most expensive player in football history after informing Barcelona of his desire to leave amid talk of a 222million euros (£199million) move to Paris St Germain.

Neymar appears on the verge of becoming the most expensive player in football history after informing Barcelona of his desire to leave amid talk of a 222million euros (£199million) move to Paris St Germain.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at the previous players to have broken the record in the last two decades.

Alan Shearer - 1996: £15million (Blackburn to Newcastle)

Having won the Premier League at Blackburn in 1995, all-time Premier League record goalscorer Shearer returned to his hometown club a hero.

6 Jul 1996: Alan Shearer of Newcastle United during his press Conference at St. James'' Park in Newcastle. Mandatory Credit: Anton Want/Allsport UK

Ronaldo - 1997: £19.5million (Barcelona to Inter Milan)

The Brazil striker moved on to break the record for the second time in a year but, despite a great scoring ratio, he only won the UEFA Cup during his spell at the San Siro.

Denilson - 1998: £21.5million (Sao Paulo to Real Betis)

A precocious talent in Brazil, Denilson never made the desired impact after his record move and struggled to hold down a place at Betis before moving on.

Christian Vieri - 1999: £32million (Lazio to Inter Milan)

Eight clubs in as many seasons eventually led Vieri to Inter, where they broke the transfer record once again and he would form a formidable partnership with Ronaldo.

Hernan Crespo - 2000: £35.5million (Parma to Lazio)

A year later, Lazio replaced Vieri with Crespo and he ended his first season with the club as Serie A's top goalscorer.

Luis Figo - 2000: £37million (Barcelona to Real Madrid)

The era of the Galacticos truly began with the acrimonious transfer of Portugal winger Figo between the Clasico rivals.

Zinedine Zidane - 2001: £46.6million (Juventus to Real Madrid)

Madrid continued to build their team of superstars by adding France international Zidane from Juventus - and he went on to become coach at the Bernabeu.